WHO?

THE LAVENDER EFFECT® is a 501(c)3 nonprofit project of Community Partners that is Advancing the Future of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) Heritage and Culture.  YOU are invited to join the movement to help document LGBTQ+ people’s history and contributions to society, demystify the spectrum of human sexuality, and celebrate the essential benefits of diversity.

WHY?

There is an urgent need to educate both our young people and the population-at-large of the positive impact LGBTQ+ people have on civilization. Our visibility has never been greater and yet many people are living in fear and hopelessness. Though we have made enormous strides over the past half-century, homophobia still exists, and the global epidemic of disenfranchised gay teens continues.

WHAT?

Phase-I: The Lavender Effect’s Oral Histories Project (OHP) captures video testimonies from members of the LGBTQ+ community and supportive allies who were integral participants or witnesses to a historic event or movement.  These video recordings are being produced at the highest standards possible (i.e., USC Shoah Foundation‘s guidelines) and are being used for educational programs and projects. For more information click here.

Phase-II: The Lavender Effect – LA Studio will house our headquarters and fulfill three primary functions including:

1. A Permanent Soundstage for Testimonies/Interviews, Cultural Programming, and LGBTQ+ History-Making News.
2. A Collaborative Workspace and Community Hub for Team Lavender and Partnering Organizations.
3. A State-Of-The-Art Exhibit Workshop & Gallery for Rotating and Traveling Installations.

Phase-III: The LGBTQ+ Heritage Museum and Cultural Center will be among the foremost educational and entertainment institutions in Southern California.  It will showcase the Southern California regional history of the LGBTQ+ movement and its place in world history, as well as the reciprocal influence on our region of LGBTQ+ contributions to civilization.  Using the latest in evolving technology, we plan to celebrate diversity, as well as educate and inspire future generations.  Coupled with a dynamic Cultural Center which will become a hub for our community, the complex will focus awareness on our contributions to society and our place in history, host lively programs to help define our place in the 21st Century, and provide positive role models for LGBTQ+ youth.

WHEN?

It takes time, planning, and money to create a cutting-edge, elegant cultural complex which will properly reflect the diversity, creativity, and sophistication of our community. Current plans call for Phase-II to open in 2028 and Phase-III by 2033.

WHERE?

We hope to situate the complex in a accessible location for both locals and tourist. With a goal of reaching the broadest audience possibe, including regional communities and countywide school groups. Ideally, this venue will showcase LGBTQ+ individuals, communities, organizations, and educational institutions beyond Los Angeles.